Preps Plus. Game Day. FOOTBALL'S QUICK HITS. WEEK 5.

Bartlett Dishes It Out Now

Hawks Off To 3-1 Start In 3rd Season

September 22, 2000|By Bob Sakamoto, Tribune Staff Writer.

Bartlett's young football program is growing up in a hurry.

In only its third year of varsity competition, the Hawks are off to a surprising 3-1 start that includes upsets of perennial powers Oswego and St. Charles East. They are tied for first place in the Upstate Eight with Waubonsie Valley and Larkin, and their only loss was to DuPage Valley contender Glenbard North.

"That was a big win for us last week because St. Charles is such a great program," said Bartlett's Dick Stephens, thoroughly enjoying his 41st year of coaching high school football that includes 18 seasons at Elgin.

"But I keep reminding the kids that one or two big victories is not the end. We can't be satisfied until we get into the playoffs."

Bartlett went 7-11 the last two years while enduring the kinds of growing pains new programs encounter.

"We didn't have much when we started out," Stephens said. "The booster club bought us two blocking sleds and weights for the weightlifting room. There weren't any storage rooms or shelving, so we passed out equipment in the wrestling room straight out of the boxes. Coaches had to get everything from tackling dummies to figuring out how to get the players water."

Even now, the Hawks play their home games on Streamwood's field, and Stephens said there are no soft landings on his team's practice field.

"Playing on St. Charles' field was like being on a golf green," Stephens said.

Helping Stephens overcome such obstacles are assistant coaches Tom Meaney, Mark Williams and Mike Boe, who were part of his staff at Elgin.

A 6-foot-3-inch, 185-pound wide receiver/defensive back named Donte Frazier--who is being recruited by Illinois, Northwestern and Northern Illinois--heads Bartlett's 53-man roster. Other standouts include running back Al Kator, defensive back Dustin Ritch (two interceptions), linebacker Drew Tegtmeyer, defensive end Bobby Thompson, offensive tackle Tim Novak (6-1, 265) and tight end Jason Levine. Nick Kornovich has kicked five field goals, the longest a 42-yarder against Neuqua Valley.

"It's been fun watching this all develop," Stephens said. "I could see it coming along. We've got 55 players on the freshman level, and there are some big kids playing on the freshman and sophomore teams."

THREE-POINT RANGE

Hinsdale Central placekicker Ken Fremer has set a state record with nine consecutive field goals, surpassing the seven straight converted by Andy Kreider of Taylor Ridge Rockridge in 1987. Another early kicking sensation is Lockport's Pat O'Callaghan, the successor to ex-Porter and current Notre Dame kicker Nick Setta. O'Callaghan has converted four field goals, including 50- and 51-yarders against Thornwood.

PLAYOFF FOCUS

After going 12-24 the last four years, Shepard (3-1) needs three more victories for a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 1994. The Astros are underdogs against Andrew this week and to No. 11 Bolingbrook on the final week of the regular season. "We can make the playoffs if we win the games we're supposed to win," Shepard coach Nick Bax said.

That could happen if Jon Cleveland continues piling up 100-yard games at running back and linebacker Brian Toner, who had 17 tackles in a victory over Bradley-Bourbonnais, maintains his defensive intensity. Shepard's defense, which also features linebacker Mike Kerechek and lineman Josh Remer, held Bradley to three points in the first three quarters and only gave up 10 points to Romeoville.

BY THE NUMBERS

Among the statistical leaders in the Chicago area after four games, Burlington Central running back Dan Sheldon has scored 12 touchdowns and St. Viator quarterback Brett Basanez has completed 50 of 89 passes for 811 yards and 16 touchdowns with just one interception. Loyola's James Bradley has rushed for 887 yards and six TDs, while Warren's Matt Van Daele has run for 620 yards and 10 TDs. Manley's Edward Charse has caught 19 passes for 493 yards and six touchdowns.

NOTHING BUT DAYLIGHT

Bradley would be the first to credit his offensive line for helping him average more than seven yards a carry. Among the returning starters are Matt Stevens (6-4, 260), Nick McIntyre (6-1, 260), Tim Rozkuszka (6-1, 240), Peter Corcoran (6-1, 240) and tight end Matt Danielak (6-6, 225). The only newcomer is guard Mike deYoung.

HEAD TO HEAD

Two of the Chicago area's best small-school programs square off Saturday in Wheaton when Driscoll (4-0) confronts St. Francis (4-0). The winner will emerge as the favorite in the Suburban Catholic Conference. Behind 6-6 twins Matt and Mike Henning, St. Francis has outscored its opposition 142-27. New coach Bill Barz led Mt. Carmel to the Class 5A title in 1980, and his son Mike (6-4, 230) teams with Mike Henning at defensive end. Driscoll features the game-breaking duo of receiver Dan Paplaczyk (16 catches, 332 yards, three touchdowns) and running back Jeremy Netzer (566 all-purpose yards). Paplaczyk is averaging 37 yards per punt return. Netzer is averaging 15. Driscoll's Matt Butler has passed for 667 yards and five TDs. "This could be our best team since we won the 3A title in '91," said Driscoll coach Tim Racki. "Our young offensive line has come together and helped us get off to a fast start."